14 Best Bakeries in Santa Cruz

“The consistent line out the door should be your hint that this spot is a must if you're in need of a grab and go breakfast. Sure, Zachary's is fantastic, but waiting for a seat and having a full sit down meal isn't always an option if you want to get to the monthly vintage fair before the crowds. Grab your bagel melt to-go and eat as you walk. Or, my personal favorite- the lox deluxe, but be sure to sub their house made pickled onions and grab a Natalie's Orchard juice to go with it.“

“I really like their German Farm Bread. However, the bread starts molding the next day after the Best Before date, so there are only 2-3 days to enjoy it.“

“Secret's out, kids. Best tamales anywhere. Lots of meat vs masa. Grab some Mexican sour cream while you are there. We've been doing this nearly every trip for years. You won't be disappointed. Will run out on heavy tourist days, so get them 1PM or so.“

“During our 2 night mini vacation in Monterey this week, Feb 2 & 3, 2023, we bought a package of these cookies from a liquor store, on Lighthouse Avenue and now consider them to be our all-time favorite cookie.“

“The croissants are sooooo delicious. They are super incredible when they are super fresh and warm in the morning or still amazing when it is later in the day..The ladies that work here are so nice. The sandwiches are huge(super tall) like how do you even take a bite?!!! Lots of free parking and wheelchair accessible. All the donuts look incredible too.“

“I found Rebecca's muffins at Campbell farmers market. They are so delicious and you can't really tell whether they are sugar free, soy free, gluten free and vegan. I have some health problem so I have to be on an anti inflammatory diet and I just look forward to every Sunday where I can go buy her muffins. God bless her!“

“Emozioni Pasticceria made our wedding pastries and they were so delicious and perfect! We decided not to do a cake but do small pastries instead, and they were such a hit! We did a tasting where Chef Enzo prepared multiple pastries based on our preference. We ended up choosing the tarimisu, tart, cannoli, and cream puff. I wanted the pastries to have an Iranian flare, and although this is a traditional Italian bakery, Chef Enzo incorporated some Iranian flavors perfectly. Chef Enzo and Dan were so great and easy to work with. We will be going back often and ordering all our sweets from them from now on!“

“some of the best bread I've ever tasted. The whole fam is hooked.“

“4-seed Compagnon sliced bread, $9, purchased at Whole Foods Cupertino when I drive down from Pacifica for the college flea market 1st Saturday each month. SO DELICIOUS !!! This bread is not carried at the Potrero Hill Whole Foods in SF. Again, the best bread ever, yummy for toast.“

“During our 2 night mini vacation in Monterey this week, Feb 2 & 3, 2023, we bought a package of these cookies from a liquor store, on Lighthouse Avenue and now consider them to be our all-time favorite cookie.“

“As a vegan, finding a truly delicious birthday cake is tough to find. But Black China Bakery outdid themselves! My husband ordered the vegan raspberry chocolate cake for my 64th and it's the best I've had in a long time. Kaitlin outdid herself with the decorating as well. As a long time vegan cook and baker, I'm not sure how she manages such a delicious frosting, but it was divine. I wouldn't hesitate to order from Black China Bakery. They were kind, accommodating to my husband's requests and all around a business that deserves our support.“

“I had a very delicious Chicken Apple Brie Sandwich and Chai latte.“

“Toasted marshmallow topper 👍🏽“

“Haven’t had the desserts yet, but I loved the whole wheat and Lepain loaves. Nice that they will slice the loaves for you if you like!“